Now most of my followers know that I have a keen interest in birds so northern and southern migrations are very interesting for me.
But this northern migration is different! It's "snow birds" that are heading north. Snow birds are those people who leave us to spend the winter in southern states or Mexico.
In Canada and some northern states retirees who have some money like to spend their winters in the south. These people don't like winter weather and they like it warm so that they can continue with summer activities. So south they go in the fall and golf, hike, swim or any number of summer recreational activities.
I had always thought that only Canadians went south for the winter. When I went to Arizona I was surprised to find out that most snow birds were Americans.
When I was a child, on the farm, some of our neighbors went south. They would bring things that would freeze to store in our house. They also brought their live stock to our place for us to look after. So that was in the ancient time of snowbirds.
Right now snow birds are moving back north. Some begin the northern trip in mid march and others stay another month until mid April. For some their six month time limit and insurance times out. Others have to get home to meet some income tax deadlines.
So, many snow birds are leaving the south and arriving back home. My brother left Arizona on Mon. morning and got home yesterday. My sister-in-law is leaving Arizona April 14.
So at this time of year there is much excitement as people start returning home.
Would I be a snow bird? I don't think so. I like good old winter things to do.
Happy is the man who's happy where he is. Sounds like something from a fortune cookie, but still true.
ReplyDeleteBut some of these guys are happy vagabonds.
DeleteI am content to stay home, too, Red. I am happy to see the end of this winter, though!
ReplyDeleteWe can always go for a short time to somewhere warm.
DeleteI bet you appreciate the summer more than they do. Change is good.
ReplyDeleteYes there's some theory about the value of four seasons.
DeleteOur neighbors have been back since the last week in March. Husband and I are not Snowbirds either! We stay right here.
ReplyDeleteThe snow birds seem to be completely addicted to it. My Dad spent 20 winters in Phoenix.
DeleteI couldn't imagine leaving our winters - I love winter - where would you skate, cross country ski, go sledding or sail across a frozen lake, hanging on for dear life. ha,ha I don't think I would ever fly south with the "snow birds" either Red.
ReplyDeleteThere's a lot to be said about winter activities.
DeleteMy sister lives in Florida and happily waved goodbye to her snowbird friends this month. The traffic and store volumes fall to reasonable levels. :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm sure the southerners are too keen about all the extra people. My brother lives in a resort that has 3500 sites.
Deletei don't think i'd be a good candidate for living in two different places. well, i know i wouldn't because i'd have to haul all my animals with me. :)
ReplyDeleteWell in the old days we kept the neighbors horses, cows and chickens. So there you go!
DeleteI see that in my future. When I was younger, it was never even a thought. As I get older I am realizing how much I don't enjoy our long winters and how bad they are for my health (both mental and physical). I think that if we do go south when I retire, it will not be to some super hot spot, but perhaps to the 4 corners area where I can hike and explore.
ReplyDeleteIf you do go to four corners , you will gradually move further south.
DeleteRed if I had the funds and time you bet I'd be a snow bird as well, unfortunately that's not in the cards for me just yet. I'll keep on dreaming, especially on days like today where the snow seems it's never going to end!
ReplyDeleteWill you be having your family over for a reunion?
No family reunion as all my relatives are in Sask.
DeletePeople who go south just love it so I'm sure it would be your thing. Just think...you'd have many more ideas for posts.
Red I would love to capture the world and blog about my experiences but for now I have to stay put... maybe in time.
DeleteI have seen a few Canadian plates on the highway.I went to school in Tucson, so experienced the arrival and exit each year.
ReplyDeleteI'v e been down to visit so I know about different license plates. Some of these resorts can be very large.
DeleteSnow birds are arriving back here also! They are all tan and brown as nuts...we aren't we still wear our winter whites!
ReplyDeleteLinda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
Same thing here. They come back and look great as they've really been on a 5 or 6 month vacation.
DeleteHere in Minnesota, the retired snow-bird migration is as prevalent as the homeless that fly out in November and return in March...
ReplyDeletePearl
You must have wealthy homeless there . Our guys stay here. Some find somebody to stay with. others stay out all winter.
DeleteI'm with you on this one, Red. We like our 4 seasons just fine. Though since I took up birding we've added a short week to ten day jaunt to Florida...:)
ReplyDeleteNothing wring with having a look somewhere else. For us birders there's always one more to see.
DeleteI'm with you, too, my friend. Gimme a good, cold hard winter and I feel good about myself!
ReplyDeleteCheers from Cottage Country!
For anybody who likes clearing snow as much as you do you just have to stay here. My Dad spent 20 winters in Phoenix. It was good for him. I felt sorry for him when he couldn't go south anymore.
DeleteI had never really thought about it like that. Living in New Zealand half the year and the Outer Hebrides of Scotland the other half would, I suppose, make me a snowbird although I'm usually called a Godwit. It is true that I love the sun and warmth but, for me, there is also the opportunity for a whole six months of croquet which I cannot play where I live in Scotland and, of course, the experience of a completely different place and culture.
ReplyDeleteI would love to leave for the coldest part of the winter..even two weeks would help my outlook. I know you love winter Red..good for you! :)
ReplyDelete